How to switch to Firefox ESR from Firefox Quantum step by step?
I have read a few threads about the best way go back to the old Firefox (before Quantum version) is to use Firefox ESR but there are no details on how to do it properly.
I mean I want to use the old Firefox version before Quantum and all the bookmarks/addons/profile accessible.
Yesterday my Firefox auto updated to Quantum and I really hate it as many of my addon could not be used. (Please do not tell me to keep using Quantum. I will only use it if my addon works.)
MAIN QUESTION: Could someone please provide me step by step on how to go back to Firefox ESR from Quantum? (from start to end)? (I am afraid that I will corrupt anything so I am asking for step by step.)
Other questions 1. Do I need to uninstall Firefox Quantum first, then install Firefox ESR? 2. When I uninstall Quantum, will my bookmarks/addons be uninstalled/deleted? 3. What are the things to do after installing Firefox ESR to make it look the same (bookmarks/addons...) as the version before Quantum? 4. Can I have Firefox Quantum and Firefox ESR together on the same PC? Will using them together mess up the profile or will they share the same profile (bookmarks/addons...)
Thanks a lot.
All Replies (5)
What add-on is it? I find it humorous to be switching to another version of Firefox just for one add-on. Hopefully, we can find a replacement for it. You are missing out on Quantum changes if you switch.
Moses said
What add-on is it? I find it humorous to be switching to another version of Firefox just for one add-on. Hopefully, we can find a replacement for it. You are missing out on Quantum changes if you switch.
Over 20 add-ons. Scrapbook X and Session Manager, All in one sidebar, Copy Urls Expert, Tab Mix Plus...and many more, Please do not keep promoting Quantum and focus on my question on how to install Firefox ESR step by step. I will use Quantum when ALL the addons I need are compatible with Quantum. Thanks a lot.
I am really very very happy with older version of Firefox. Firefox main advantage is the addons. I am mainly using Firefox for the purpose of using addons. If the addons do not work I would have use Chrome. Thanks.
I need a complete list of add-ons if you want to get suitable replacements. I already know off the top of my head that Session Manager and Tab Mix Plus are no-go's in Fx57 for the moment due to missing APIs. The developer of TMP is currently working on a WebExtension though: http://tabmixplus.org/support/troubleshooting/data/legacy-tabmix.html
Session Manager dev has stated that due to WebExtension's current APIs, it cannot be implemented properly. http://forums.mozillazine.org/viewtopic.php?p=14754816#p14754816
TMP tweaks can be applied via userChrome depending on what you need to achieve. Mozilla doesn't recommend downgrading to ESR and I will NOT give you instructions to switch. Those are easily discovered by searching Google should you choose to switch. I prefer users to stay on Quantum and experience all the hard work Mozilla developers have put in the past year.
I do not want to get add-on replacements. I will just wait for a few months later and all addons should have a compatible version for Quantum, then I will switch to Quantum.
Seriously, not everyone is so enthusiastic about newer stuff, and treating Firefox as a game to spend time on customizing, upgrading, fixing broken addons, looking for answers in forums...
In my opinion, Quantum should be sent to all addon developers 3 months ago and let them have time to develop a compatible version, before Quantum is released to the public
"Mozilla doesn't recommend downgrading to ESR and I will NOT give you instructions to switch." > Ok I got it, this is your answer. Hopefully some other people can help me.
"I prefer users to stay on Quantum and experience all the hard work Mozilla developers have put in the past year." > This is your own opinion. In my opinion all the Firefox addon developers have put in MUCH more work in many years and I will continue to support the original addon developers if possible, rather than using a new one just because it is note compatible with Quantum. I guess at least half of the users are using Firefox just because of a addon they need. Chrome has come up with many addons, they know some people use a browser because of a addon.
Thanks.
I do not want to get add-on replacements. I will just wait for a few months later and all addons should have a compatible version for Quantum, then I will switch to Quantum.
Good luck there. Most of these "fringe" extensions that are being used have not been updated in years and more than likely abandoned by the developer. Or the APIs are not being implemented because devs don't communicate with Mozilla.
In my opinion, Quantum should be sent to all addon developers 3 months ago and let them have time to develop a compatible version, before Quantum is released to the public
Quantum has been available to the public since Mozilla announced the project a year ago and developers had notice more than 2 years after the announcement to the move to WebExtensions. Developers could have downloaded it anytime during the development process and get their add-ons working. Saying add-on developers didn't have enough time is not a good excuse.
"Mozilla doesn't recommend downgrading to ESR and I will NOT give you instructions to switch." > Ok I got it, this is your answer. Hopefully some other people can help me.
Help yourself.